Harp Odyssey

Besides organising the day long music festival that took place last month in Beeston, the Oxjam team put on a classical music evening last night at our local parish church.

There was a varied programme of artists including a flute player, a couple of guitarists and the University of Nottingham's String orchestra.

One of the performers I know quite well is harpist Christine Palethorpe, as she plays with another of my musical friends; Emma Bladon-Jones. They perform as a double act called Paper Doves and play folk and popular tunes.

The church was full and everyone seemed to enjoy the music that was on offer. Although being classical music, there was no dancing or cheering, just some polite clapping at the end of each piece of music.

I was there taking photos, but felt quite conspicuous of walking around the church with my camera in my hand. It feels OK at gigs, but for some reason it feels out of place with classical music. Fortunately I had my super zoom lens with me, so could get close, without being close.

Six Strings And A Song

You met Emma Blazon-Jones yesterday, so today I'm showing you Joe Barber.

Joe is a blues guitarist and singer, and duets with Emma as Midnight Special.

I've posted a couple of photos before when they have played at the Hop Pole on a Friday or Saturday night.

Wallflower

It's not very often that you see Emma Bladon-Jones without her guitar. But here she is posing with just a wall for company.

Midnight Special

Popped down to see two friends of mine who play under the name of Midnight Special.

Joe usually plays the blues, while Emma does folk. They really work together well and have a great sound, mixing the two styles without hearing a join.

They were appearing at the Hop Pole, a real ale pub in Chilwell that holds lots of music nights. I've been to a few, but I think these guys are the most popular.

Musical Youth

My good friend Emma Baldon-Jones, together with Christine Palethorpe were guests on Notts TV tonight.

Besides being musicians in their own right, that also make up the folk duo Paper Doves. Besides playing keyboards, Christine plays the harp. Emma of course is a singer/songwriter, who I have featured many times on here, as I always like to go to her gigs, or see her busking along Beeston's high road.

Hopefully now that they have been on TV, they will get a few more gigs and hopefully a recording contract.

Paper Doves

Here is my friend, musician Emma Bladon-Jones appearing at this year's launch of Oxjam, with fellow musician Christine.

Besides being a singer in her own right, Emma is also part of a duo called Midnight Special and now she has joined multi-instamentalist Christine as Paper Doves.

It's A Midnight Special

I had a busy day with my photography yesterday, with most of the day spent recording Beeston's Carnival. Then I went to a 50th birthday party, and finally I went to a local pub to see two friends of mine, who are musicians in their own right, and also perform as the duo Midnight Special.

Joe loves the blues, while Emma is a folkie, but together they are quite impressive with a mix of the two styles. The Hop Pole was busy, as they have quite a following across the area, as they are really very good and should be snapped up by a record company very soon.

Friday Night Folk

Last week was Dave Mitchell's first gig of the year, tonight it was Emma Bladon-Jones'.

She put a message on Facebook saying that she was doing a gig at a pub in Beeston called the White Lion.

I've seen a few musicians there before, and was expecting to see her downstairs near the bar, but I was told that she was playing upstairs. So up I went, and I was in for a surprise and something that I hadn't come across before. I had walked into a folk club meeting, and Emma was down as a guest performer.

The club is called the Second Time Around and meets at the pub every fortnight. I didn't know what would be happening, but the old guy that appeared to be in charge explained who would be the first few people to perform. So I listened to various musicians and singers do turns. It was all acoustic too, so microphones or backing tracks.

There were quite a few people in the audience, more than normal and it was observed that it was probably because of Emma; who is quite well known now in Beeston and Nottingham.

She wasn't very well at Christmas, and actually ended up in hospital for a few days, so it was great to see her performing again.  The audience certainly appreciated her style of folk music and received a good round of applause after she had finished her set.

Oxjam

Phew, have I had a busy day photographing bands and singers for Beeston's Oxjam music festival. Some sixty bands over twelve hours at ten locations.

Obviously with that many artists, and some appearing at the same time, but at different locations, it was going to be almost impossible to see them all. But I managed to do about twenty.

The three photos that I've put on were all taken in the evening at the former Barton's bus depot, which has now become an arts and crafts venue.

Rebecca King is a young soul singer from London, but lives in Nottingham. This was the first time that I heard her sing. And very good she was too.

I first came into contact with One Boy One Girl's music last October when they won the local music contest called Notts Factor. Since winning it, they have produced an EP, toured extensively and put out some videos which can be seen on YouTube.

I've mentioned Emma Bladon-Jones a few times on here now, since she went in for the Notts Factor competition too. This was her tenth gig of the day, as she had set herself a goal of playing at each of the venues during the length of Oxjam. This feat, which she sucessfully accomplished was being followed by a cameraman from the BBC, who had followed Emma around throughout the day, for an item on Midlands Today.

Carnival Capers

A glorious hot and sunny day today, as Beeston celebrates with it's yearly carnival.

It started in the morning with an exercise demonstration, some singing and a fashion show. Then at 1pm, the parade started from the Town Hall to Broadgate Park.

As the route is pedestrianised there were sadly no floats, only people walking in groups from different organisations, like this 'royal party' from a local nursing home.

Although there are no floats, for some reason they do allow the annual fire engine pull, so I'm sure they could allow a few decorated flatbeds along the High Road.

When everyone reached Broadgate Park, the festivities began with some bands, a music workshop that was organised by Oxfam, a few classic cars and some demonstrations. There were of course the usual bric a brac, food and information stalls. I had had a look in the morning and picked up a DVD I wanted for £1. So I was a happy man. Just need to get around to watching it now.

I entered the 'name this bear' competition with Bertie. I wonder if I will win. He's a cute little fellow, and so would look great on my desk.

There were several music acts on in the afternoon. And all were very good. I was very pleased to see Emma Bladon-Jones do a set for about half an hour. Emma said that she had just got back from Derby, where she had done two gigs and some busking. Emma also mentioned that she was playing at a local pub later tonight. So guess where Gail and I will be going later on!

A Charity Record

A little summertime music tonight, on this, the longest day of the year,  to raise money for Oxfam.

Oxjam came to Beeston today and sadly I missed some of the acts, as I had to work, but I was lucky to arrive in time to see the ever talented Emma Bladon-Jones again. This time in the open air.

Broadgate Park, is a small open space very close to the High Road. So you can do your shopping and then sit and look at the trees, the grass and a statue of Queen Victoria. And possibly enjoy an ice cream from one of the local cafes, whilst listening to the birds tweeting away.

I also managed to watch the tail end of Ed Hope's gig, who incidentally was very good as well.

Oh how I wish sometimes that I could understand music. But I don't, so I guess I'll have to keep to photography as my creative output.

EB-J

This is Emma Bladon-Jones, a local singer/songwriter. And a very good one too. I have featured her before, but you can never have enough of a good thing.

She was playing at a local pub; The Hop Pole in Chilwell, so I had to go and see her. Plus a drop of real ale wouldn't go amiss either.

Emma played two sets, an electric one, and an acoustic one, with a small break in between, during which I said hello and bought one of her CDs which features four of her terrific songs.